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The Sola Panel is dead; long live the Sola Panel! by Tony Payne (4 comments). Regular Sola Panel readers will no doubt have detected a little slowness and quietness over the past six weeks or so. … more
Kids’ culture watch spot: Facing fear by Gordon Cheng (3 comments). By popular demand (two people asked), here is my next script for a culture watch spot I did with the kids … more
Daniel 2-7, Harry Potter and Narnia by Gordon Cheng (1 comment). It's a Sunday as I write this, and I'm speaking on Daniel 2 and 7 later this morning at a friend's … more
A constituent on same-sex marriage by Sandy Grant (34 comments). Last year, the Australian Parliament agreed that its Members of Parliament (MPs) should seek the … more
A tribute to John Stott by Sandy Grant (2 comments). Friends, I'm not ashamed to say I shed a tear when I opened up my computer on Thursday morning to read … more
Talkin’ ’bout my generation (part 3): On giants’ shoulders by Scott Newling (26 comments). This is the third post in this series; you can read part one, and more
Bible reading with kids by Sandy Grant (0 comments). I was asked for recommendations for resources that would encourage parents to read the Bible with their kids, especially … more
Talkin’ ’bout my generation (part 2): Stepping aside (not out) so others can step up (not in) by Scott Newling (3 comments). This is the second post in this series; you can read the first post, Unassuming … more
One more sip of the coffee by Tony Payne (8 comments). Sandy Grant is a man of integrity. Back in the early days of Sola Panel, I wrote a post … more
Talkin’ ’bout my generation (part 1): Unassuming generations by Scott Newling (30 comments). There is a model of ‘intergenerational theological decline’ that has been doing the rounds of late, and perhaps you … more
Tony Payne
Paul is one of the Staff Editors at Matthias Media. He is married to Cathy and has three fantastic kids. He loves student ministry, reading, writing music and playing the saxophone, and is looking forward to meeting Jesus face to face.
Sola Panellists
- Tony Payne (convenor)
- Jennie Baddeley
- Mark Baddeley
- Andrew Barry
- Peter Bolt
- Gordon Cheng
- a local church and a certain Christian publishing house. (Sometimes the latter vocations can happen without the first.) Many people call him a nerd, which he prefers to geek. He\'s keen on biblical studies, languages, great technology, science fiction, coffee, photography, frisbee, family, jazz, and hats. You could call his tastes eclectic. ");'>Sam Freney
- Sandy Grant
- Scott Newling
- Gavin Perkins
- Ben Pfahlert
- Peter Sholl
- Claire Smith
- Nicole Starling
- Jean Williams
- Lionel Windsor
Some other sites
we like (Why these?)
- Matthias Media
- The Briefing
- 9Marks
- Albert Mohler
- Anglican Church League
- challies
- David Ould
- ENTRUST
- EQUIP book club
- Girl Talk
- Gordon Cheng's Blog
- The Gospel Coalition
- Jean Williams's blog
- Justin Taylor
- Lionel Windsor
- Monergism
- Moore College
- MTS
- Nicole Starling's blog
- Phillip Jensen
- Pyromaniacs
- The Proclamation Trust
- Reformers' Bookshop
- The Simeon Trust
- The Ugley Vicar
Hi Jean
I am wondering if the concept of ‘unanswered’ prayer is in scripture in relation to the heavenly Father and his children?
We know God may not listen because of our sinfulness, but I don’t tend to put this in the ‘unanswered’ category. I take it that he is always acting for His glory and our good.
As his children, (who want his will to be done), I don’t think we are encouraged to think of God as a not-answering God.
I am sorry if I have misunderstood you.
In itself ‘unanswered prayer’ never seems like a blessing to me.
Di
Yes, Di, the term “unanswered” is a bit ambiguous - I agree, and the same thought occurred to me.
Perhaps prayer that our Father says “no” to would be better.
This was a timely read for me. I always need to remember the truth about His character even when I am not getting my way. My open-handed desires can soon become closed-fisted demands. Thanks for this.
In saying ‘God did not answer my prayer’ we are really saying “God did not give me what I wanted.”
Perhaps it would be better to say that God did answer my prayer but in His wisdom said: “NO”.
Yes, Elly, I agree.
“Unanswered prayer” is not a term I would usually use, but a handy short hand based on the quote I referred to in my post.
Usually, like you, I would say “a prayer God says ‘no’ to” - I agree this is more helpful language.
I should probably have used this language throughout my post. Thank you for pointing it out!
And Susan, I’m glad you found it encouraging. I was encouraged by CJ’s comments too - I have a very different attitude to prayer now!
Thanks, Jean. After putting a status on my facebook page today, a friend referred me to this page. The timing of this message was perfect for me. Thanks for allowing God to use you in ministering to a stranger today.
Thanks, Alison. No strangers in Christ - only brothers and sisters!
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